The Silence Was Deafening

By: Fernando Suarez
Topics: Hillary Clinton

(CBS)

From CBS News' Fernando Suarez:

AKRON, OHIO -- Hillary Clinton made a stop at the Lockheed Martin plant in Akron today, but about the only thing that was hot in the room were the reactors working in the plant. Clinton received an awkwardly chilly reception at the plant, so much so that upon taking the stage the music was cut short because the crowd was just standing there watching her and no longer clapping.

Clinton started her speech by offering her "prayers" to the family members of those who lost loved ones at the shooting at University of Northern Illinois. "I was deeply saddened by the terrible shooting that occurred," said Clinton.

Clinton then began laying out her standard stump speech and when she reached key applause lines like wanting to build up America's manufacturing plants or offering universal health care or even building America's national defense programs, there was nothing but silence.

In fact, Clinton's first applause came 11 minutes into a 12 minute speech when she said she would bring troops home from Iraq. Clinton quickly wrapped up her speech following the applause.

A campaign spokesman denied that she cut her remarks short and said that Clinton met with supporters and delivered her points of her speech.

Having been to more Clinton events than I care to remember, this was by far the shortest speech and most silent reception I can recall.

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by paralta February 16, 2008 9:20 PM EST: why would anyone insist on lying about the crowds and reception for goodness sakes? Lie now...really lie later. I really thought Barak and all of supporters were above that. It''s not needed.
And, you who was vicously attacking Bill Clinton - please remember-Bill was a great president for the country (personal aside)- even Barak has stated so...so please slow this down.

We need to get back to rousing speech stumps where the youngsters can get back to their chanting and we can report record crowds. It''s better than a rock star! Peace, love and harmony folks.

McCain is worried about going against Barack...knew he could beat Hillary. Let''s get on to the next step. He will start using Barack''s voting record..3rd worse of all and perhaps, yes, his Muslum upbringing. Let''s not any of us give more ammo.; Reply to this comment


by aaron_akron February 16, 2008 11:02 AM EST: I was at the stop, and this account is dead on. No smiles and applause only once. Not only that, but 2/3 of the crowd was her bussed in supporters.; Reply to this comment


by aaron_akron February 16, 2008 10:58 AM EST: I was at the campaign stop, and this account is dead on. Few smiles on applause only once. 2/3 of the crowd was her bused in supporters.; Reply to this comment


by skywatch2 February 15, 2008 9:34 PM EST: Your comments are disgraceful and very misleading. I saw that reception on CNN Live Feed. It was very enthusiastic and inspiring. Stop publishing false and erroneous reports, and stop discrediting her campiagn stops as if there not important, especially to her supporters. How bout trying for a job a MSNBC, I''m sure they would love to have you there.; Reply to this comment


by darrren12000 February 15, 2008 7:51 PM EST: NOTICE: CROWD WAS ENTHUSIASTIC

Clinton tells Lockheed Martin employees she will work for jobs
By Stephanie Warsmith/Beacon Journal staff writer
Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton told a group of several hundred Lockheed Martin employees this afternoon that she would work to create more opportunities and keep jobs in America.

''''I want to do everything I can to keep growing jobs and opportunities,'''' the Democratic presidential candidate said during a 12-minute speech on the Lockheed Martin factory floor.

Clinton addressed about 300 workers and invited guests who gave her an enthusiastic reception. She was then expected to stop by the Summit County Democratic Party''s annual Valentine Dinner at Todaro''s Party Center in West Akron before heading to Lyndhurst for a 6 p.m. rally.

Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton told a group of several hundred Lockheed Martin employees this afternoon that she would work to create more opportunities and keep jobs in America.

''''I want to do everything I can to keep growing jobs and opportunities,'''' the Democratic presidential candidate said during a 12-minute speech on the Lockheed Martin factory floor.

Clinton addressed about 300 workers and invited guests who gave her an enthusiastic reception. She was then expected to stop by the Summit County Democratic Party''s annual Valentine Dinner at Todaro''s Party Center in West Akron before heading to Lyndhurst for a 6 p.m. rally.

http://www.ohio.com/news/break_news/15673357.html; Reply to this comment


by darrren12000 February 15, 2008 7:49 PM EST: wish i could edit prior post to add this - but no edit function.

OBJECTIVE REPORTING ON CLINTON''S APPEARANCE: http://www.nationalpost.com/news/story.html?id=311920; Reply to this comment


by darrren12000 February 15, 2008 7:19 PM EST: Glad you''re still going around spinning her speeches in a negative light. Has CBS published your Obama endorsement yet?; Reply to this comment